Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2,784, John Gentzerman, Penn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Penn.
Gentzerman, John Eve Ann
N. 2,784
CONTENTS

Agent notified Dec. 18, 4
6481.
Pennsylvania
Widow Ann Genzerman die late
John Genzerman
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 11 Dec. 1816
of Lancaster in the State of Penn:
who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Henry of the 1 st reg t command d by Col. Rofs in the Pa a line for 6 months
Enrolled on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 20 Dollars Cents per ann m to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17. day of Dec. 1841 sent to and H. Mathiot Esq. Lancaster Penn:
Arrears to the 4th of March 41. 100.00 Semi-annual allowance ending
100.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by  Thos. L. Moody  Clerk Book A. Vol. 2 Page 182

State of Pennsylvania Lancaster County } ss
5578 On this Seventh day of June in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine, personally appeared before me the Subscriber, a — Justice of the Court of Common pleas in and for the County and State aforesaid, Eve Ann Gentyerman, a Resident of Lancaster City of the County and State aforesaid Aged Eighty one years, who being first duly Sworn according to law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838, Entitled an act granting granting half pay and pensions to Certain widows that she is the widow, of John Gentyerman who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, and belonged to the Pennsylvania Line. And as to his services by Reference to the proof herewith transmitted, will more fully and at large appear.
She further declares that she was married to the said John Gentyerman, in the month of August in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy eight, that her husband the Aforesaid John Gentyerman, died on the fourth day of December in the year one thousand Eight hundred and Sixteen that she was married unto to him prior to his having the Service, and that the marriage took place at the time above stated and further saith that there is no record of her marriage nor the Births of her children to her knowledge.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before
Dan d Dale
Eve Ann her Gentyerman mark

I do hereby certify that the foregoing deposition of Eve Ann Gentzerman was taken at her dwelling in the city of Lancaster and State of Pennsylvania, and that from bodily infirmity she is unable to attend in open court June 7th 1839
Sam d Dale
State of Pennsylvania Lancaster County } ss:
I, George B. Withers, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County, do certify that Samuel Dale, Esquire before whom the foregoing proceedings were had was at the time of, & still is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said County duly commissioned & qualified and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine and that all his official acts are entitled to full faith & credit, as well in courts of Justice as elsewhere.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this 8th day of June A.D. 1839.
Geo. B. Withers Protho.

State of Pennsylvania } ss Lancaster City }
On This Eighth day of June in the year 1839 Personally appeared before me an Alderman of the peace for said City, Peter Mairer age 82 years Known by me for twenty two years past, a gentleman of Respectability, Deserving full faith and credit being first duly Sworn according to law, deposeth and sayeth, that he was Intimately acquainted with the with named John Gentzerman, and Eve Ann, Gentzerman for sixty years past, and was present at their marriage, which happened in the town of Lancaster, now a City, and lived Neighbours with them Ever since that period and always, Herd John Gentzerman acknowledge Eve Ann, to have been his lawfull wife and Rained a large family of Children, That the with in named John Gentzerman was draughted for two months, and Served for Capt. Henrys, Company and Marched from Lancaster Pa. to Philadelphia and from there to Trenton and Princeton and Served his term of two months, in the year 1816.
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above written before me a Justice of the Peace
Peter Mairer
Wm Frick
Alderman
State of Pennsylvania } ss Lancaster City }
On This Eighth day of June in the year of our lord Eighteen hundred and thirty Nine Personally appeared before me the Subscriber an Alderman in and for said City, George Leonard age 80 years also, Respectable deserving full faith and credit, being first duly Sworn according to law, Deposeth and sayeth that he was Intimately acquainted with the with in named John Gentzerman, a Soldier of the Revolutionary War, for sixty years past and also, with the with in named Eve Ann, his wife for forty five - - over

years past, and lived neighbors for that length of time and always heard John Gentzerman to have acknowledged, Eve Ann to have been his Law full wife, and knew the said John Gentzerman to have performed Service in the Revolution war and met him on his march as a private at Trenton, a short time after the Hessians were taken prisoners at Trenton and see him in the Service about a week afterwards, at Princeton, and knew him to have served as Guard at Lancaster town, now a City, four months at different tours, in the year 1777, to guard the Hessians and prisoners and also served three months at Lancaster as Guard in the year 1778, and that the said John Gentzerman died in the year 1816, and that the said Eve Ann Gentzerman has remained a Widow ever since that period and from the long acquaintance with her he would believe her statement to be true, and would believe her on oath.
Sworn to and subscribed { George his X Leonard mark before me on the day and year above written William Frick State of Pennsylvania Lancaster County Set }
I, George B Withers, Perthon day of the court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County State aforesaid do certify that W m Frick, Esquire before whom the foregoing proceedings were had is & was at the time of doing the same, an Alderman for Lancaster City duly commissioned & qualified to act as such according to law & that all his acts ought & should in that ca- pacity be entitled to full faith & credit in courts of Justice or elsewhere.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this 8th day of June A.D. 1837.
Geo B Withers Prothon.

Lancaster City set.
Personally appeared before the sub- :scriber, one of the Aldermen in and for the City of - Lancaster. Abraham Miller of said City, who first being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say, that he was well acquainted with Mrs Eve Ann Gentzerman and her family: That the said Eve Ann Gentzerman was the widow of John Gentzerman, and had been an applicant for a pension at the time of her decease, for and on account of the Revolutionary services of her husband. That the said Mrs Gentzerman died on Friday the twelfth day of November last, and has left issue four children now living, to wit: George Gentzerman of of Manheim township Lancaster County. Susan, intermarried with Jacob Bowers; Elizabeth, widow of Henry Dietrich, deceased: Mary — married to Isaac Pickel, all of the City of Lancaster, and that there has been no family record kept by Mrs Gentzerman or any of her family.
Sworn to and subscribed } on the ninth day of December } 1841, coram } A. J. Oltreeh, Sec }
Abraham Miller

Rev  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 2784
Ann Gentzerman
Widow
John Gentzerman
Pri's Rev War
Act: July 7. 1838.
Index:—Vol. a , Page 268
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Rev. Asa Gentlesman of 20 th Pennsylvania
Suspended
let. 28 th Aug t 1839
J. Barrick
let. to do. 29 March 1840, let. to do. 4 May
41, let. 31 July 40 M c Mathias, let. to do.
27 Aug. 41 let to do 15
Feb 41 to do 25 Oct. 41 to do. 5 Nov. 41, let. to do.
30 Nov. 1841
Act 7 July 1838

City of Lancaster Pa
Personally appeared before the Subscriber an Alderman in and for said City, George Leonard who being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say, that he is Eighty two years old, that he was well acquainted with John Gentleman, a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, that he knew him to stand Guard in the City of Lancaster in the months of April and May 1777 for two months, under Capt. John Henry, then he stood guard two months under Capt. George Maser in the year 1777 over the Hessians and Prisoners, and the Deponent further saith that he stood guard over the Prisoners three months at the City of Lancaster in the year 1778 at one time, either under Capt. Peter Hofner or Capt. Hoffmagle, and that he is well acquainted with his widow Eve Ann Gentlemans, and from his long acquaintance with her believes her statements to be true, and further deponent saith not.
Sworn and subscribed to this 30 th day of January A.D. 1841 before me A. F. Osterloh, Ald.
his George + Leonard mark
City of Lancaster Pa
I do hereby certify, that I have known the above deponent George Leonard, for upwards of ten years, that he is a respectable Citizen of our City and a man of Credit &c.
Witness my hand and seal this 30 th day of January A.D. 1841
A. F. Osterloh. Ald Seal
City of Lancaster Pa
Personally appeared before the Subscriber an Alderman in and for said City Mrs. Eve Ann Gentlemans widow of John Gentlemans, deceased who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say, that after diligently searching the Church record, find that there is neither Church nor Family record of the Marriage nor the births of the Children to be found, to the best of her knowledge and belief.
Sworn and subscribed to this 30 th day of January A.D. 1841 before me A. F. Osterloh, Ald.
her Eve Ann X Gentlemans mark

Pennsylvania Lancaster County ss.
I, the undersigned, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County Do certify, that A. F. Osterloh Esq. within named is an acting alderman of the city of Lan- caster duly commissioned & qualified & that his signatures within are genuine Witness my hand & official seal at Lancaster January 30. 1821
L. M. Shueger Proth.

Feb 2 1811. pa 600 pps Rev Am Gentry
THE
J. A. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.
J. A. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.
James of Receiver of at H.

January 30 th 1841
Dear Sir I Received yours dated August 28 th 1839 Stating that the papers of Mrs Eve Ann Gentzerman were examined and filed with Suspended cases
I Enclose the Depositions of George Leonard and Eve Ann Gentzerman widow, who Applied for a pension in the year 1839
please let me hear from you when convenient Yours O bt Servant Ad dress yours,
L. L. Edwards Esq n
Jacob Barrick Waynesboro Franklin County Pennsylvania

State of Pennsylvania } County of Lancaster } Cit.
Personally appeared before the Subscriber one of the Aldermen in and for the City of Lancaster, George Leonard of the said City who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say - I was an intimate friend of John Gentsemar. He was drafted as a militiaman and served I think during the greater part of the revolutionary war. I know he stood guard at Lancaster over the twenty sixth and twenty seventh regiments of St Johns Men (British prisoners) between one and two years. I think John Henry was his Captain but am not certain. After the British were exchanged he was again draughted and stood guard over the Hessians who were captured at Trenton, how long my memory does not serve me. I think, he then went out, in Captain Huffnagles Company of militia, but how long he served in it, I cannot say - The reason I recollect him as well as I do is because I knew him and his whole family, ever since they came to Lancaster, before the revolution. John Gentsemar was a very lively man and made a great many jokes among the Soldiers, so that they all liked him very much - John Gentsemar married Eve Gentsemar who is now applying for a pension, but the particular time I do not recollect. He died between twenty and thirty years ago - I served in the regular Army of the revolution in the Congress' own regiment under Captain Matthew McConnel, General Hazen was our Commander -
Yours Sincere
Sworn and subscribed before me this eleventh day of August, A. D. 1841 -
A. A. Stech. Atty

City of Lancaster Set.
I Albert G. Osterloh one of the Aldermen in and for the City of Lancaster hereby certify that George Leonard the deponent is a highly respectable Citizen of this City and that his evidence is entitled to full credit and belief.
A. G. Osterloh

State of Pennsylvania } County of Lancaster } let.
Personally appeared before the Subscriber one of the Aldermen in and for the City of Lancaster, Peter Mowrer, living in the vicinity of said City, who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say, I was well acquainted with John Gentsemar. He and I served together about two months during the Revolutionary war. We were drafted in Captain John Henry's company, and marched from Lancaster about the time the British landed on Long Island. We marched from here to Elizabethtown, New Jersey, where we were discharged, our term of service having expired. I know that Gentsemar served afterwards during the war, but cannot recollect distinctly the time. He stood guard over the prisoners at Lancaster for some time, how long I do not recollect. It also appears to me that he was at the battle of Germantown but I cannot state positively. —
Wife Gentsemar the person now applying for a pension came from Chestnut Hill in this County, she was married to John Gentsemar sometime during the war. I was present at the marriage, but cannot recollect precisely the time when they were married. It was either the Reverend Hendel or the Reverend Helfenstein who married them. Gentsemar is dead, I was at his funeral —
Sworn and subscribed before me this thirteenth day of August, A. D 1841.
A. J. Peterloh. Notary
John Gentsemar

City of Lancaster set.
I Albert F. Osterloh one of the Aldermen in and for said City hereby certify that Peter Noworer the deponent, that he is a highly respectable man and that his statements are entitled to full credit
A. F. Osterloh

Declaration —
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th of July 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
State of Pennsylvania } County of Lancaster } Set.
On this eleventh day of August in the year of our Lord, One Thousand, eight hundred and forty one, personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Aldermen in and for the city of Lancaster, Eve Gentreman a resident of the said city, in the County of Lancaster, aged seventy nine years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her solemn oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of John Gentreman who was a private, and during part of the time a non commissioned officer, at least he held some little office among the troops; He stood guard over the prisoners at Lancaster as long as they were here, I cannot recollect how long, I know he went out twice and served in the war, one time he was out three months, I do not remember how long he was out the other time. I do not remember the precise time I was married I was married I think by the Reverend Mr Helfenstein. My husband died twenty six years ago last Christmas. I think John Henry was the Captain of the company in which my husband served
Sworn to and subscribed on the } day and year above written } A. F. Osterick, Ald.
Eve her X Gentreman Mark

Lancaster City, set.
I Albert F. Osterloh one of the Aldermen in and for the city of Lancaster, hereby certify, that I attended to take the deposition of Eve Gutzsemar: that she is confined to bed by reason of bodily infirmity, and therefore cannot attend court.
A. F. Osterloh

State of Pennsylvania } County of Lancaster } Det.
Personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Aldermen in and for the City of Lancaster, Susan Bowers of the said City, who being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say; that she is the daughter of John and Eve Gentzmar the applicant for a pension, that she has no knowledge of the existence of a family record to show the time of the marriage of her parents: that her el- dest sister, the eldest child of the said John and Eve is now upwards of sixty two years of age: that from this and other circumstances, she believes the marriage of the said John and Eve her parents, took place prior to the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight: that her father John Gentzmar died twenty six years ago last Christmas: That since the death of her father the said John Gentzmar, her mother has not been married
Sworn and subscribed before me this fourteenth day of August A. D. 1841. A. F. Osterloh, Not.
Susan her  X Bowers mark
I Albert F. Osterloh hereby certify that Bowers, the foregoing deponent bears a good character for honesty and veracity, and that her evidence is entitled to full credit— A. F. Osterloh Not.

County of Lancaster Set.
I, L. M. Lenehan Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Lancaster do hereby certify that Albert F. Osterloh before whom the preceding proceedings were held is an Alderman in and for the City of Lancaster, duly commissioned and qualified, and that the signatures annexed are his genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this sixteenth day of August Anno Domini One Thou- sand eight hundred and forty one.
L. M. Lenehan, Prothonotary P. S. Auerbach

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th of July 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
State of Pennsylvania } County of Lancaster } etc.
On this eighth day of September A. D. 1841, personally appeared before the subscriber, one of the Aldermen in and for the City of Lancaster, Eve Gentleman a resident of the said City, aged, eighty two years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed, July 7 th 1838, entitled "an Act, granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of John Gentlemen who was a non-commissioned officer, (a corporal, I think) and a private during the Revolutionary war. He was among the first in Lancaster who were draughted. He stood guard at in Captain John Henry's Company over British prisoners then lying at Lancaster, for a long time, I do not know precisely how long, but am confident it was more than two months. That This was very early in the war. In the year 1777 or 1778 he also stood guard, I think in the same Company, over the Hessians who were captured at Trenton. This time he was in service, at Lancaster at least one term of two months.
He was out pretty often during the war. I can recollect two tours of service which he performed, particularly. He went out from Lancaster in Captain John Henry's Company of militia. After being out about two months they were discharged at Elizabethtown, New Jersey. This was about the time of the Battle on Long

Island. Peter Mower was in the same company with him. — He again went out in Capt Haffnagle's company from Lancaster, but did not march further than Philadelphia, the date of this service I cannot tell. Nor can I state with certainty whether in all these tours of duty my husband, was draughted or a substitute. I think but cannot state positively that he was also at the battle of Germantown. She further declares that she was married to the said John Gentzerman about the year 1778 , One thousand seven hundred and seventy eight, that her husband the aforesaid John Gentzerman died on Christmas day, One thousand eight hundred and fourteen. And that she was married to him at the time above stated. Sworn to and subscribed, on the } her day and year above written, } Eve X Gentzerman before — A. F. Osterloh. Ald. } (MORT)
City of Lancaster set.
I Albert F. Osterloh one of the Aldermen in & for the City of Lancaster; hereby certify that Eve Gentzerman the Petitioner above mentioned is confined to bed by bodily infirmity and incapable of going before Court, and that I attended at her residence to administer the oath, in consequence thereof.
A. F. Osterloh. Ald

County of Lancaster set.
I J. M c Leugan Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County, hereby certify that A. F. Osterloh before whom the foregoing proceedings were held, is an Alderman in and for the City of Lancaster and duly commissioned and qualified and that the signatures annexed are his genuine signatures. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this ninth day of September Anno Domini, One thousand eight hundred and forty one
J. M c Leugan Prothy. m c 
out ew g

Leicester Decr 9 th 1841
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir
Agreeably to the suggestion in your last letter, I have ascertained that claims for services rendered in standing guard at Leicester, have been allowed in several instances to persons residing in this vicinity.
Pensions were granted to Christopher Gumpf on the 22 d of May 1833; to Peter Maurer on the 15 th of November 1832; and to Casper Hubert on the 29 th of April 1837, for services as above stated. I presume that the evidence required by the Department, has been exhibited in support of their claims.
The muster roll spoken of in my former letter, is in the possession of Mr Emanuel Frissler of this City, who prizes it too highly to part with it.
I enclose the deposition of Mr Abraham Miller to prove the death of Mrs Gentherman and the names of her children
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant Wm Matthiott

In Council of Safety.
"Philadelphia January 9. 1777.
Present.
" Thomas Wharton Jr. President " Joseph Blower " Joseph Dean " John Bull " John Hubley " Samuel Morris Secy.
" Mr. Nesbit was directed to pay Capt Henry " £ 52. 7. 1. for pay and rations of his Company of " Militia in Col: Ross' battalion of Lancaster County, " Commencing the 16th and ending the 20th Nov. " both days inclusive, to be charged to Congress."
Pennsylvania, ss.
I hereby Certify that the above is a true extract from the Minutes of the Council of Safety of 9th January, 1777, vol. 3 page 23. remain- in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office, at Harrisburg, the 19th October, 1841.
— F r R. Strunk Secy for the

Lancaster Aug. 16 th 1841-
Dear Sir
I herewith send you the claim, and evidence to substantiate it, of the Gentlemen, Widow, for a pension.
On account of the enfeebled state of Mrs Gentlemen and her failing memory, I was unable to make her declaration as full and comprehensive as I could have wished. I however hope that the other evidence sufficiently proves, the service of her husband, their marriage and his death. The marriage cannot be proved by documentary evidence, because the register of that time was kept in a very loose and irregular manner, there being no regular preacher stationed here. I hope you will consider the terms of service sufficiently defined. It is impossible after the expiration of more than sixty years to prove accurately every term of service, unless the witness actually served in the same Company. I am not aware of the particular Act of Congress under which Mrs G. should claim, as her marriage took place prior to the conclusion of the war.
Very respectfully
Your obedient Servt
Wm Mathis
Hon d J. S. Edwards—

June 8 th 1839
Dear Sir I have the honor of sending you the the papers of Mrs. Eve, arm. Gentzleman, and as soon as convenient please let me hear
Yours Respectfully
Jacob Barrick Waynesboro Franklin County Pa

6572 Eve Ann Gentzmer of John Pennsylvania
Admitted Privileg 6 m $20. Lap News Cl Refs. Pa
died 4 Dec 1816.
widow died 12 Nov '41 five years pension due to George Gentzmer Susan Bowers, Elizabeth Dietrich, & Mary Peckel.
Acty July 1838
M rs Matthist Lancaster. Pa

Lancaster Sept 25 th 1841
Sir
Permit me to correct a misapprehension into which you have fallen in regard to the record proof of the services of John Gentzerman.
I stated in my last letter that we could prove a fourth tour of duty for two months under Capt. Raffnagle by a witness by the name of Long, but that said witness refuses to give any testimony under oath - and that if there was any record at Washington containing the names of Capt. H's company, that of John Gentzerman would be found upon it. But if there was no such record then we would only claim for the six months actually proven.
I am not aware of any other proof, than is now before you, except that of the payment of the troops standing guard at the prison depot at Lancaster. I have written to Mr Shunk Secy of State for a certificate of such payment, which I will send to you immediately upon its reception by me.
Very respectfully
Your obedient Servant Wm Mathiot
Hon. D. L. Edwards

Lancaster Pa. July 28 th 1857
Dear Sir
I have been requested by Mrs Eva Geusemer to write to you, in order to gain some information in regard to her application for a pension.
She is the widow of John Geusemer, a soldier of the revolution, and is very old and in distressed circumstances. About three months ago, a person called upon her, whose name she does not recollect, and who is a stranger in this neighbourhood, who procured the evidence necessary to establish her claim, and promised to send her information in regard to the application immediately. Since then she has not heard from him, and is fearful that a fraud has been committed.
Will you therefore be kind enough to write and inform me whether such an application has been presented, and in what situation it remains.
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant Wm Mathiot
Wm I. L. Edwards.

Lancaster October 20 th 1841
Wm. J. S. Edwards
Sir—
Enclosed I send you the document referred to in my last letter, which after some delay, I have been enabled to procure. It is the only evidence I could obtain to show that John Gentzerman — "acted under competent authority in standing guard over the British prisoners at Lancaster, or received pay from the State of Pennsylvania or the United States."
All the evidence in the case of Mrs. Gentzerman is now before you, and she hopes for a favourable decision upon her claim —
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your obed t serv t
M m Mathist

Lancaster Nov 25 th 1841
Dear Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8 th inst. I have no doubt that the additional testimony required by the Department might be procured but unfortunately Mrs Gentxermaw the applicant died about two weeks ago.
Mrs Bowers the daughter of the claimant desires to know, whether the pension or any part of it, which her mother might have obtained, had she lived, can be granted to her. She states that she has been subjected to very great expense in maintaining Mrs Gentxermaw. I told her that it was my decided impression that no such claim could be allowed, but as she insisted on the application, I have thought proper to state it.
Very respectfully
Your obedient serv t
Wm. Mathiot
Hon: J. L. Edwards -

Wm J. L. Edwards
Sir
In your letter dated August 27 th  In the case of Mrs Gutzerman you stated that the claimant had not specified each tour of service as required by the regulations. I was aware that the declaration was imperfect, but mentioned at the time the reason, vix. that she was too ill to make a full statement. Since then however she has partially recovered, and made the statement I enclose to you. She has specified with as much certainty as under the circumstances she could do, each tour of actual service performed by her husband. There were papers in the possession of her family connected with his revolutionary services, but unfortunately have been lost for many years. She states that John Gutzerman went out in Capt. Haffnagle's company some time during the war. The only person able to prove this service is a Mr Long who on account of disappointment in not receiving as large a pension as he expected, now refuses to be a witness in any case. If the Department is in possession of any document containing the names of the members of Capt. H's Company, I have no doubt that the name of John Gutzerman will be found among them.
I have been informed by Mr Vandersmith that he has forwarded to you a certificate showing that the

battalion & company in which John Gentleman served were paid by this State, & the amount charged to Congress. I hope this will be sufficient to satisfy the Department. If it should be requisite in this particular case, I will procure a similar certificate & forward it to you.
Should a doubt arise as to the veracity of the witnesses I can refer to the Hon d James Buchanan, who is personally acquainted (if I mistake not) with nearly all the witnesses.
Very respectfully
Your obedient serv t W m Mathiot
Lancaster Sept. 10 th 1841.

Lancaster City
April 19 th 1841
Dear
Sir I Enclose a Declaration of Mrs Eve Ann. Gentyerman, Please let me hear from you as soon as convenient Direct Yours to Jacob Barrih Waynesbor Franklin County Pen a
I am Respectfully yours O bt Servant Jacob Barrih
J. L. Edwards, Esqr Washington City D. C.

FREE
4. Nov 1841.
Mr. Allison
Gentlemen
Hon: J. L. Edwards Com r of Pensions Washington

Lancaster November 2 d 1847
Sir
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated Oct 25 th in which you state that Mrs Gentzerman's claim cannot be allowed under the testimony laid before you.
The first reason (which had not been before stated) was "that the Militia often served a shorter period than two months, although that time was usually claimed." However true that may be, permit me to say that in the present case the evidence is clear that Gentzerman served at least six months. Mr Mowrer, one of the witnesses was present with him in the same Company, and swears positively to two months service. Mr Leonard the other witness, proves two tours of two months service each, and both witnesses are positive that he served at other times, though they cannot specify the particular tours as required by the regulations. I had therefore hoped that the proof was sufficient to satisfy you in regard to the duration of the service.
The second objection as stated at length in your letter of Aug. 27 th is "that no service can be allowed alleged to have been performed as a guard at Lancaster, unless some record, or documentary evidence be produced showing that such service was performed in a military capacity and by order of competent authority, and for which service those performing it were entitled to pay from the State of Pennsylvania or the United States". It could hardly have been expected that any evidence of the nature referred to could have been produced, as all of

the Commissioned Officers who who resided in this vicinity are dead, and their commissions as far as I have been informed, furnish no evidence of the character you require. I can indeed produce the muster roll of one of the companies, which shows that they acted "in a military capacity," though it does not show under what "authority" they acted. The simple reason why I cannot produce the evidence you wish, is (as I have been informed by Revolutionary Soldiers,) that no distinction was made between those who were draughted to stand guard at Lancaster, and those who were sent abroad. So that any documents to which I might have access would not indicate the character of the service in which any one might have been engaged. Leutzeerman at one time marched out to join the army and at other times stood guard at Lancaster, always under the same Commander, viz John Henry -
I was aware that the extract from the minutes of the Executive Council, which I sent you was not fully conclusive upon the point, but thought that it furnished a fair presumption when taken in connection with the other evidence in the case, that the pay was given for standing guard over the British & Hessian prisoners.
Lancaster was a general depot for prisoners, and it is difficult to believe that the Government made no provision for their detention, or refused to appoint a guard over them: and it is equally difficult of belief that the guards themselves, would have relinquished their private pursuits and have engaged in this service, unless they acted under competent authority and likewise received pay for such service.
For myself, I have no interest in the result of this application. Mrs. G. requested me to act for her, as she was ignorant

of the name and character of the person who first applied for her pension. Unaware of the difficulties that attend the procuring of a pension I consented. And although I know that the Department is influenced in its requirement of strict proof, by a desire to act according to the law and to prevent fraud, yet so many obstacles have been started in the course of this application, as almost to deter me from prosecuting it any further: but I could not resist the impulse of duty in making a last effort to procure for Mrs. G. the pension, to which I believe she is so justly entitled. I hope you will therefore excuse me for troubling you again in the matter —
With great respect, I am —
Your obedient servt. H. M. Mathiot
Hon: J. S. Edwards.

See No 5572

State of Pennsylvania Lancaster City }
On this 29 th day of April A.D. 1841, Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Alderman in and for the city aforesaid Eve Ann. Gentzerman and made the following Declaration in order to obtain a pension from the United States, that she is the widow of John Gentzerman a soldier of the Revolutionary war, that she has, heretofore proved, two months actual service by Peter Maurer, and 4 months actual service by George Senhardel, which it appears he said he served two months in the months of April and May in the year 1777, under Captain John Henry and two months under Capt. George Mersen in the year 1777, for which service she claims in a former Declaration now filed in the pension office at Washington City, D. C. Appeared before me the subscriber an Alderman in and for said city Eve Ann Gentzerman the above claimant who on her oath deposeth and saith that the facts above stated are just and true to the Best of her knowledge and belief
Sworn and subscribed } Eve Ann her Gentzerman April 29 th 1841 } William Frick mark

Pennsylvania Lancaster County p. 8
J. McNeegan, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Lancaster, certify that William Erick Esquire, before whom the foregoing proceedings were had is an acting Alderman in for the City of Lancaster, duly elected com- missioned & qualified, and that the forego- ing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereto affixed the Seal of said Court and subscribed my name the nineteenth day of April A. D. 1841.
J. McNeegan, Prothonotary